Today is Racial Justice Sunday. We focus on the experiences of ethnic communities in England and Wales. It is a day on which we are called to earnestly pray for an end to racism and racial inequality. The theme this year is Dignity of Work, looking at how all people must not be exploited or face discrimination and hatred in their work.

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be conferred by Bishop Ralph Heskett on Saturday 29th June at 6.30pm. Candidates will be in Year 9 or older. Letters of invitation to potential candidates who are former Sacred Heart School pupils are at the back of church, with application forms inside. Copies are also available from the Presbytery on 2343580 or sacredheart479@gmail.com. Please return the form to Fr Michael / Deacon Tony as soon as possible.

Sheffield Church Action on Poverty is marking Poverty Sunday, on 3rd March, with a special service and talk designed to encourage Christians to see poverty in a different light and consider how we can make a difference. The event takes place at 3pm in St Matthew's Church on Carver Street, S1. The speaker will be the Very Rev Peter Bradley, Dean of Sheffield's Anglican Cathedral. For more information: briony.broome@hotmail.co.uk.

Sacred Heart Parish Council met last week. Here are the points from the discussion: CAFOD Soup lunch:10th March(further details to follow).Sacramental Preparation – Fr Michael reported that several people have enquired about Baptism and that the Journey in Faith group has begun with a healthy number of participants to launch it. The First Holy Communion Programme has started, and the Confirmation Programme will be starting shortly. It is expected that both these groups will be very well attended. Parish Groups Structure: Ministries and Recruitment- Fr Michael will be starting this recruitment drive shortly. Please have your skills and enthusiasm at the ready and see how you can get more involved! Deanery Meeting – this took place on 22nd January and gave those present a chance to discuss what is happening in the parishes; how the parish pairings are going; how changes in Mass times have affected parishes and future developments. Parish Quiet Day – this is going to be some time in Lent. Further details to follow.

THE EVIDENCE OF GRACE

(Fr. Michael’s Homily)

Pope St. John Paul II called the Beatitudes “the Magna Carta of Christianity” — that is, the essential blueprint or road map of the Christian ideal, the Christian vision for a way of life. Jesus gives us today the Magna Carta of Christianity. If Christianity were a form of government, the Gospel today forms its Constitution. It is valid for all times and at all places for every disciple of Jesus. Unlike the Constitution of any country, it is not the Beatitudes that is changed; rather, it is the Beatitudes that change us. Thus, when we feel uncomfortable with the demands of the Christian Magna Carta, we should not water down what it requires from us. Jesus presents to us today a way of life that is radical, that is different; one that gives a happiness that is stable, enduring, and which leads us beyond this visible world. The Beatitudes are often described as a framework for Christian living. Our vocation as Christians is not to be first in this world, but rather to be first in the eyes of God. We are challenged to examine our present situation in the context of our ultimate horizon, the Kingdom of God. The Beatitudes express the essence of the Gospel. This is a way of trust and love: of loving confidence in God’s goodness in all circumstances; of deep awareness of our total dependence on him for all things; of abandonment or surrender of ourselves, our lives, our fortunes, our future, to God’s providence. If we walk this way, we won’t be swayed by the temptations and appeals in the cultural waters around us. A culture that idolizes wealth and strength is a culture of fear and anxiety. To trust in God is to put aside fear and anxiety. I leave you with the words of St. Teresa of Avila:

Let nothing disturb you; Let nothing frighten you,

All things are passing: God never changes.

Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing;

God alone suffices.

May these Beatitudes be for you a practical programme for holiness. Amen

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Please join us for refreshments in the hall after Mass

FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Diocesan Job Vacancies are on the screen notice board at the back of church and also the Diocesan website.

Gift Aid: The tax the parish can reclaim from HMRC is an important source of income and we would like to encourage any taxpayers who do not currently make their offering under Gift Aid to consider doing so. It is the best way of increasing your offering without it costing you more, since currently, the government will increase each £1 of your personal offering by a further 25p.For the parish to reclaim the tax on your offering, you, the taxpayer, need to make a Gift Aid declaration and we, the parish, need to have a record of the date and amount of your offerings. Offerings can be by standing order, cheque or cash in a numbered offertory envelope. Your Gift Aid Declaration will cover all donations recorded by the parish, including for the Food Pantry. You will find Gift Aid declaration forms at the back of church near the hymn books. When you have completed the form, please hand it either to the presbytery or drop it through the letterbox. Please be assured that the administration of Gift Aid is completely confidential. If you have any questions about Gift Aid, please call Janina Klapas on 2312300. If you are considering making a gift to the Church in your will, information can be obtained by contacting the presbytery. Thank you for your continuing support. It is very much appreciated. Offertory envelopes are at the back of church. If you want to start using envelopes, please let us know.